Having only ever played one shoot-out tournament, I headed down to my second home – the Manchester235 Poker Lounge. The tournament opened with 18 players on two tables. I was on table one with a friendly bunch – a couple of casino regulars, pub players and home players on their first casino tourney outing.

I had to adapt my game and play more hands – poker can often be a game of patience.

We were taken through the shoot-out rules. For those not in the know, you must beat all the players at your table to move onto the next or final table. Players then carry on until there is one winner, who takes the whole pot.

Knowing the tournament was going to move quicker than your average, I had to adapt my game and play more hands – poker can often be a game of patience.

With a starting stack of 1500 chips, I was soon up and feeling confident. The game moved quickly, but felt steady. The blind structure allowed for freedom and betting; 90 minutes passed and it was time for a break, with four players left on my table.

After the break, I hit more hands and my chip stack increased. I was soon heads up with Hugh Steal, who runs a Redtooth poker league at The Unicorn in Wilmslow.

We swapped chips for a while, but my luck ran out. I went all in with A9 suited, Hugh called with KQ. Hugh hit a K on the flop, and I was soon chipless after the turn (4th card) and river (5th card) showed low cards.

Meanwhile the second table were playing heads-up for their winner. It was Kev Dews who took his place on the final table when he hit his Jack on the turn. Kev and Hugh were friends from The Unicorn and it was clear they knew each other’s game, with Hugh announcing Kev always wins at heads up.

From ‘even stevens’, Kev took the early lead with aggressive bets. Hugh slowly pulled back some chips and ended up chip leader when he went all in with 56 hearts versus Kev’s pocket 6s. Hugh hit a flush and went from strength to strength, finally winning the game and taking home £180.

For me, Quick-Fire Fridays are a hit. I’ll be back to play more. For £10, it means you don’t have to commit yourself to a six hour tournament, but it gives you a good quality game of poker.

Confidential are holding their second Confidential Poker Tournament on Sunday 6 March, to find out more click here.

Click here to view the full details of Manchester235 poker tournaments.